Salary negotiation

[JStev77]

Anyone out there have advice on negotiating RN salary at a hospital? I'm a new grad and was just offered my first job. At what step in the process should this be done and how would you go about it? Thanks!

[Nola009]

Ha. I say take what they give and consider yourself lucky.

[roser13, ASN, RN]

In my experience, there is very little room for negotiation for an experienced staff RN. For a new grad, there is none.

Take it or leave it. There are soooo many new grads lined up behind you who will jump at the offer.

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

The negotiation for a new grad is "yes I will take the job when can I start" vs "let me think about it" (and hope they don't give the job away before you make your mind up). Especially if a union facility, no salary negotiation for new grads.

Be glad you aren't part of the 20-47% ( depending on state ) of unemployed new grad nurses.

[Medic2BSN13, BSN, RN]

Completely agree with all of the above posts. Unfortunately, you have no room for negotiation. There were probably many candidates who applied for the position that was offered to you. If you try to negotiate you may very well lose the offer. Otherwise, negotiations are generally discussed after the offer is made by the employer. They generally state the position, shift, and salary/hourly wage. If you want to risk losing the opportunity try for a higher wage.

On another note, don't overlook the entire benefits package. Health/dental coverage, short/long term disability, loan repayment and/or tuition reimbursement are also big benefits if you plan to obtain a BSN, MSN, or DNP. Many young people overlook the entire package because the hourly wage is lower than they want.

Take the job, get some experience, get comfortable and confident in your skills. Once you are a competent nurse you then can negotiate pay with a little more leverage. Good luck!

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

I admire your chutzpah.

All new grads start at the same rate of pay. Paying different rates would create in-house inequality.

Best of luck with your new career!

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Hospitals and facilities that are part of major hospital systems pay new grads according to predetermined wage grids. Whatever wage is listed for a new grad with 0 to 1 years of experience is the pay rate HR will offer you, and there is no room for negotiation.

Once you accumulate several years of experience and can bring specialty certifications and special skills to the table, you'll have bargaining chips on which you can negotiate. However, as an inexperienced new grad, if you dislike the pay rate they're offering, there's 100+ other desperate new grads waiting in line who will pounce on the job offer at almost any rate of pay with no complaints.

Good luck to you. Take the job. Negotiations at this point in your career might result in career suicide.

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

Hospitals and facilities that are part of major hospital systems pay new grads according to predetermined wage grids. Whatever wage is listed for a new grad with 0 to 1 years of experience is the pay rate HR will offer you, and there is no room for negotiation.

Once you accumulate several years of experience and can bring specialty certifications and special skills to the table, you'll have bargaining chips on which you can negotiate. However, as an inexperienced new grad, if you dislike the pay rate they're offering, there's 100+ other desperate new grads waiting in line who will pounce on the job offer at almost any rate of pay with no complaints.

Good luck to you. Take the job. Negotiations at this point in your career might result in career suicide.

THIS.

Salary negotiations are pretty much nonexistent when you are a new grad; you are going in without no prior knowledge or honed nursing practice.

[applewhitern, BSN, RN]

I agree, take whatever you are offered. Nurses at my hospital were just informed there will be no raises for anyone; this is the only way they can keep the cost of our health insurance down.

[JStev77]

Thanks for the advice, everyone!

[tokmom, BSN, RN]

Save the raise until after you prove yourself. They are offering that particular number because there are hundreds of applications behind you.

[JStev77]

Got it! Won't be negotiating. Thanks!